It didn’t wind up 61-60, but it was close.You figure you score 34 points in a football game, it should be enough.But Pennsauken did what they’ve been doing all season Friday, unleashing an offense led by quarterback Manny Cortez that was unstoppable.It wound up 55-34.Some called it the biggest crowd they have ever seen at Rowan for a football game.And most of those fans were wearing orange and blue.It hurts now, but Friday night is going to be something these players will remember until the day they die.It reminds us of the old county series.John Barbose would have been proud.He coached both teams at different times.It’s a shame somebody had to lose.

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“Dear BEN, “The Fairfield residents will be at the Fairfield Township municipal building for the hearing of the Special Use Variance Permit for the Akilli Picnic Park on Dec. 6.“We will be there wanting answers. “Answers as to why the Akillis are advertising for a use of a business that is illegal. “If you recall, the business can once again only be an arts and crafts center, municipal park or a religious place of worship. “This is coming straight from our leaders. “We don’t care what you want, Jack, as you have no vested interest in Fairfield Township or the problems that this park has caused us. “The blind curve is just the tip of what the problems are with this place. “And, again, how can our township benefit if the Akillis don’t pay real estate taxes like everyone else? “This should be an interesting meeting.’’— stop the nonsense

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How many are you speaking for?

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“The Green Flag Committee, the group of over 150 volunteers who work behind the scenes to help make New Jersey Motorsports Park and their charitable efforts a success, met on Friday night to present the “Volunteer of the Year” awards. “Shown below is Suzanne DuBois, female recipient.“As she holds her award in her hand, GFC Chairman Dan Rieck accepts a donation from Suzanne for the “Coats for Kids” project. “Rieck said, ‘I hear paper money in here, too,’ just after praising DuBois for ‘always being there,’ for any project, regardless of the time or the weather.

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Miss New Jersey Katharyn Nicolle with Cherry Street School students.

“Happenings at Cherry Street School. “We were recently visited by Bridgeton Rotary, who donated dictionaries to all of the 3rd-grade students. “Pictured is a Rotary member with one of the third-grade classes. “Also, Miss New Jersey, Katharyn Nicolle visited us and read to the students in grades K-4. “Literacy is very important to her and she gave each student a book to take home. “Pictured with Miss

New Jersey is Cherry Street Principal Mr. Sam Hull and some of the students with the books that were donated.’’— Donna Bard,Parent Liaison, Cherry Street School

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“What a record setting season the Bolts treated us to. “Congratulations, Coach Durham.“All the coaches and players on a great season restoring the pride and tradition back in Millville football. “And the entire town of Millville and the high school thank you for all you’ve accomplished. “Had to have 10,000 people at Rowan to see this game and 80 percent were from Millville. “Got to make you proud. “The Bolts ran into Superman. “With a capital S! “Manny Cortez is the best high school football player in the State. Never has one player so dominated any game let alone a state final. “His total yardage 496 yards, just shy of 500 in the game. “Those are season numbers not single game. “Cortez was involved in all eight Pennsauken TDs.“Passing for 5 and running for 3. “His 63-yard touchdown run, which actually covered 100 yards (200 if you listened to the Burlington County radio station) was the greatest run I have seen since Calvin Murray made nine Bulldogs miss on his electrifying TD run in the Bolts’ championship year of 1975. “QBC will announce when the game will be replayed.“Watch it and you might be looking at a Heisman trophy winner. “Cortez is that good!“So, Bolts, as tough as it is to lose in your last game — the state final — you had an insurmountable challenge to beat Superman. “Hold your heads high. “You gave all of us a very historic season. “You will go down as one of the best teams ever in Millville football history.“Congratulations! “You played your hearts out.’’— Bluwynn Arnj“P.S.: The big guy who used to roam the sidelines with a pipe missed a heck of a game. Too bad, because it was a heck of a game, 55-34. Eighty-nine total points. Oh, you’d rather watch a 10-7 game with two teams running the Wing-T!’’

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Nine BHS tacklers missed Calvin Murray?Nine?!The stories get better with every year.Next, you’ll be telling us that Bubba Green wasn’t offsides when he picked up that fumble in the backfield at Jim Hursey Stadium and rumbled for the winning TD.

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Bluwynn really believed Millville was going to win.He never expected Manny Cortez to be that good against the Thunderbolts.

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Manny will be the first team, all-state quarterback.Amar Williams will be at least second team.So many running backs set rushing records this year, it will be difficult for Alquann Jones to make first team.But, he’s as good as any first-teamer they pick.—He never expected Manny Cortez to be that good against the Thunderbolts.

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Manny will be the first team, all-state quarterback.Amar Williams will be at least second team.So many running backs set rushing records this year, it will be difficult for Alquann Jones to make first team.But, he’s as good as any first-teamer they pick.

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“Hi, Jack,“Just a thought:“Are Shep and Joe Young just two ‘old men’ who are living in the past with their memories and have no dreamsfor their future?’’— BFB

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We print all dreams, too, BFB.

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“All Aerie and auxiliary members, if you signed your children or grandchildren up for the Kids Christmas Party, don’t forget that it is Saturday, at 2 p.m.“Then on Saturday, Dec. 16, we are having an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, starting at 8 p.m. and continuing until midnight. There will be drink specials and a DJ for your entertainment. “One last thing: Thursdays are now Ladies Night.“All ladies’ drinks are half-price from 6 to 10 p.m.’’— FOE Entertainment Committee

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“While ringing the bell Saturday, Cole Everingham, his brother and father showed up in their deuce and a half.“Cole handed me a letter.“I didn’t read it until I got home.“He thanked me for giving him my recon pin and stated that he did some research on it, and here is his reply.“‘I learned that you were part of an elite highly trained group which shows me why that pin is extremely special. Thank you for serving our country.’“I was glad to give it to such a fine young man.“Maybe it will entice him to reach for great heights and become a Marine someday.“Thank you, Cole.“That is the best welcome home I ever received.“I know it came from the heart.’’— Cpl. Edward S. Sheppard

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“One quarter of the state’s school board members have failed so far to comply with a law signed seven months ago requiring all members to undergo criminal background checks. “The process has disqualified nine officials, though state officials refuse to disclose the severity of their crimes.’’— nj.com/starledger

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Dare’s Feed is not closing.Never thought about it.Never considered it.Oh, were her customers upset at the thought!They were inconsolable.In fact, Pet Photo with Santa is again scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17, from noon to 3 p.m., at the Shiloh Pike business.Bring your dog, cat, iguana, ferret, pig, cow, horse or chicken and spend $25 in the store and get a free photo and a chance to win a Christmas tree from Bostwick Farms.That’s on top of 20 to 50 percent off merchandise.

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“A Novel Idea, Chapter II is pleased to announce book signings for the month of December. “On Saturday, from 1-3 p.m., author Shirley Hailstock will be visiting and signing her latest book, ‘Some Like It Rich.’ “Shirley, bestselling, award-winning novelist, has been writing for more than 15 years. “Holding a bachelors degree in chemistry from Howard University and an MBA in marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Shirley’s first wish was to be the first female astronaut. “It was during her undergraduate days that she developed her love for romance novels. “Acting on a dare from a fellow romance lover, she began writing a short contemporary, ‘Ice Maiden,’ in 1986. “That novel became a semi-finalist in the prestigious Golden Heart Contest, sponsored by the 9,000 member Romance Writers of America organization.“Shirley is past president of Romance Writers of America, the largest genre writing organization in the world. “She is also recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the New York City Chapter of RWA. “Additionally, Shirley’s novel, ‘Legacy,’ received the Waldenbooks Award for bestselling Multicultural Romance. “‘Legacy’ was also listed as one of the 100 Greatest Romance novels of the 20th century.“A Novel Idea, Chapter II is located at 21 E. Commerce St., in Bridgeton. “For more information, call (856) 451-3142.’’— Linda Eisenberg

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Sam Feinstein photo
Volunteer of the Year Suzanne DuBois, and GFC Chairman Dan Rieck doing good things at the New Jersey Motorsports Park.

“Linda ‘Donut Dolly’ Quay and myself will be at Dino’s, in Cedarville, Saturday, Dec. 17, to ring the bell for the Salvation Army again this year.“Thanks to those who came out last year and hope to see you again.’’— “Dolly’’ Quay and Cpl. Sheppard

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“Dear Santa,“I don’t want much for Christmas, I just want the person reading this to be happy .“Friends are the fruit cake of life — some nutty, some soaked in alcohol, some sweet,“But mix them together and they’re my friends.“Send this to all your fruit cakes. “Friendship isn’t about who you have known the longest. It’s about those who came and never left your side.” — Salvatore Bucolo

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“Thank you to all that came out and supported the Salvation Army in Greenwich at Tom and Mabel’s.“We had a good turnout of vets.“Mr. Arthur Glaspey and family made it and brought some cookies to boot.“I don’t know where to start, but I thank you all for your support Saturday.“I must thank Tom and Mabel as all coffee sales went into the kettle.“Linda Quay and I will be in Cedarville in front of Dino’s Saturday the 17th with the traveling bell.“Hope to see you there.“Saturday’s total for Greenwich was $1,767.51, about $250 short of last year’s all time high.“Thank you all!’’— Shep the bell ringer

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“As you all should know by now, myself and others have been working hard to get this dike issue in Greenwich fixed on uses and for all.“Too many homes, people, wells and preserved farm land have been lost and it continues to get worse.“It even affected one of the oldest eagle nests in the area.“If I have to include the bird lovers to join in this fight, I will. “I have even contacted the Philly news station on this and hope to get more coverage any way I can.“I will do anything to get this fixed. “I have been in contact with several of our politicians.“We have had meeting with Van Drew, Riley, Albano and others.“At the veterans service at the Riverfront, the only politician I saw was Mr. Whelan, so after him I went.“We had a decision about this matter and he was going to set up a meeting with himself, Van Drew, Frank LoBiondo and the dike committee in the same room.“Well, it didn’t happen that way. “They had a meeting and we were not told of it.“Some people that were against repairing the dike were there instead.“I know if that is the way politics works, there is something wrong.“It’s like we took a knife in the back.“I hope they will react to this and include the dike committee in more meetings that we set up.“This doing things behind your back shows lack of character and concern for Greenwich Township, its people and those of us trying to get this issue resolved.’’— Edward S. Sheppard and dike committee

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“Hey Jack, “It’s me again wanting to reply to V.C.“The reason I don’t give my name is because of the old folks round here. They are afraid, but, trust me, I’m not!“But I know these thugs around here are tired of hearing me say clean up your mess because its not fair to my neighbors to clean it.“They didn’t do it and I’m really sick of cleaning up people’s trash.“They urinate outside they throw their trash all around and, get this, they expect me to clean it up all the time.“When I say something to them, they laugh and the next day it’s worse and, trust me, they are just that — thugs with no respect. “I’m glad you and your mom can do it. When the time is right, Imma do it to, but they are not gonna like the way Imma do it.“But, by then, it will be too late.“I will ask nice’y the first two or three times. After that, it will be my way or the highway.“But, the sad thing is, cops ride by here all the time and do nothing and, of course, the thugs know this and that’s why their not afraid.“But my aunt received a ticket for trash in her yard and she tried to fight it in court.“Guess what the judge said? “Call the police. “So she did. “When the cops showed up, guess what they said? “Who did it? “Like the thugs were gonna give a name? “I can seen me now: Excuse me, is that your trash? What’s your name so I can tell the police that you put trash in my yard. Yeah, right, like that will happen. “I feel like a one-person army, but you’re right, if we want it to stop, we all as a neighborhood have to speak up, just don’t let one person take the heat. ...’’— SMD